London Commuter towns in Surrey or Kent with good private schools etc

[Oscariana]

Hi All, Living in Chiswick at present. Really enjoy the great mix of shops, boutiques, restaurants and general vibe, but after moving from abroad ( large detached house with v large garden) we're thinking that when we buy in 18 months we'd like a bit more for our money. Need good private prep and secondary schools as have two kids 9 and 4. Ideally a 30 minute commute to LB or Charing Cross as DH and I commute in to London 3 days a week. Considering Sevenoaks but wondering if a bit too quiet after Chiswick? Or somewhere else in Surrey (Apart from Richmond as similar prices to Chiswick). Any other ideas appreciated. Especially if you lived in West or SW London and made the move out. ...Tonbridge Wells looked ideal but the commute, would bother me (I think) after living here.

fruitbrewhaha -Budget isn't a huge issue, we have enough for a house in any of these areas. We live in Chiswick right now where the average house is 1.5-2M and that's for one on the smaller side.

I love going into Guildford, and it's got plenty to offer you, just depends on making sure you are near to the train station, for your commute.

Several people I know have moved to Cobham from SW London. I don't know what the commute is like though, as that wasn't a factor for any of them.

If I had your budget I'd be looking at something like this, which is close to Guildford High St, and easily walkable to the main line station (1/2 mile).

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/134330369#/?channel=RES_BUY

Or this, which is a bit further from the main station (but very close to a smaller one) and within walking distance of three excellent private schools: Guildford High School and Tormead (girls) and the Royal Grammar School (boys)

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132373901#/?channel=RES_BUY

Places like Cobham are nice, but they are very quiet and you have to drive to get to proper shops or amenities. Cobham has a couple of lovely gastro pubs and independent restaurants, which is great, but I get the sense you're looking for more than that?

Woking has been mentioned on here as being dire. It's a LOT better than it used to be although less about independent shops and restaurants and more a selection of better chain places. But I don't know what the private school availability is - you might need to travel a bit for private schools in Woking.

What about Esher? Although I have a feeling post covid the train lines aren't as good or as regular so that might not work but worth checking out?

Surbiton/Kingston?

Surbiton is 15 mins into Waterloo which is reflected in the house prices (£1mil plus for a standard 3 bed semi near station).

Weybridge? Fast commute, has the school also William Perkins nearby if you want all girl instead of co-Ed.

Small town though.

Epsom is lovely if you choose the College Area side of town- very leafy. The town centre isn't quiet any more though a lot of the decent shops have closed down.